2019 Tim Adams Cabernet Malbec, Clare Valley

Tim Adams established his Clare Valley winery with his wife Pam in 1987 and has been making consistent estate grown wines ever since.

The Cabernet Malbec is one of Tim’s most reliable wines. The classic Clare Valley blend of varieties takes advantage of the floral perfume and mid-palate richness Malbec adds to the structure and precision of Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2019 vintage was warm and dry with little rainfall. Yields were low and berries small, resulting in concentrated wines with firm tannins, especially for the Cabernet. The dry-grown Cabernet and Malbec parcels co-fermented to dryness for seven days before being pressed, with some of the pressings being returned to the free run wine for enhance texture and mouthfeel. Each component spent 24 months ageing in a combination of new and used French oak barrels prior to blending, fining and bottling.

Deep crimson, the nose shows black plum, blackcurrant and violet with earthy spice, mocha and a leafy Clare Valley Cabernet character. The palate is full-bodied with generous chalky tannins, good fruit depth and a long, structured finish.

At six years old the 2019 is just entering a comfortable drinking window. The wine has not been cold stabilised, so a harmless tartrate crust may form with time in the cellar, which is a mark of minimal processing rather than a flaw. It would benefit from a bit of airing before enjoying with a hearty meal. 

Drink now through 2029.